Minute 2022.04.02 Friends Meeting of Austin calls for courageous peacemaking in the Ukraine-Russia conflict through the following statement to be shared with SCYM and elected officials:
We Grieve the Loss of Ukrainian and Russian Lives and Call for Courageous Peacemaking
“We utterly deny all outward wars and strife and fighting with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretense whatsoever; and this is our testimony to the whole world.” - Declaration of Friends to Charles II, 1660
Friends Meeting of Austin strongly condemns the attack by Russia on Ukraine and the ongoing war. We call on combatants and non-combatants alike to work together towards an immediate cease-fire, towards new opportunities for diplomacy and compliance with international law, and towards humanitarian aid, rebuilding, and reparations.
Quaker testimony for over 350 years has affirmed the sanctity of life while actively seeking to build peace among all nations and addressing root causes of violence. Austin Quakers grieve the loss of life from this senseless aggression. We know there are people in Russia and Ukraine and throughout the continent working tirelessly for peace and reconciliation. We uphold and stand in solidarity with them, and call on our elected officials to find the courage to join all peacemakers during this violent and perilous time.